Batting Order: The White Sox have a high-risk, high-reward offense that relies on OB 8's getting their charts and making pitchers pay. Valentin, Rios, Lillibridge, and (albeit OB7) Singleton all fit that profile and their contributions will make or break their season. Frank Thomas and Charles Johnson are surefire sluggers who'll put up their numbers, but how often they'll be able to drive their fellow hitters will decide the season. Considering the high volume of control 4 starting pitchers, the White Sox may be in for an explosive offense this year.
Rotation: Chris Sale is the ace and has a higher control than his fellow number one starters (outside of Eric Milton). Whether that gives him the advantage remains to be seen, but it certainly cannot hurt! As is the theme of the division, pitchers 2 thru 4 are all tier 3s, creating a balanced rotation. Needless to say, the AL Central is in for a lot of tight games. A distinct advantage for Chicago will be their starter's high IPs, which could save their bullpen down the final stretch of the season.
Bullpen: Santos comes in as the closer, but it won't be long before the sensational IP 2 Keith Foulke takes the reins. Foulke will be leaned on heavily, although Nate Jones gives them a solid second reliever.
Overall: The White Sox season will all depend on how frequently their high-reward hitters get their charts. If Rios and Valentin can get on base enough (and hopefully in scoring position) and Lillibridge can hit the high rate of HRs expected of his 17-20 HR chart, the White Sox could find themselves hanging around in the pennant chase.
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